Ureteroscopy Specialist
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W. Cooper Buschemeyer III, MD
Board Certified Urologist located in The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, TX
When you have a kidney stone that’s not passing through your urinary tract or is causing more pain than you can bear, you may need a ureteroscopy to remove the stone. Board-certified urologist W. Cooper Buschemeyer III, MD, has years of experience performing ureteroscopy procedures. Most importantly, you can schedule your ureteroscopy the same day as your initial appointment so you can get quick relief from the pain. To get help for kidney stones, call the office in Conroe or The Woodlands, Texas, or schedule an appointment online today.
Ureteroscopy Q & A
What is ureteroscopy?
Ureteroscopy is a procedure to remove kidney stones that are in your kidney or have passed into the ureter (the tube carrying urine from the kidney to the bladder). Though Dr. Buschemeyer III most often does a ureteroscopy for kidney stones, he may use the procedure to find other blockages such as tumors in the ureter or kidney.
This procedure is minimally invasive because Dr. Buschemeyer III uses a narrow ureteroscope that he inserts through your urethra (the tube carrying urine out of your body). The scope has lighting and a video camera, allowing Dr. Buschemeyer III to see the inside of your urinary tract clearly.
Am I a good candidate for a ureteroscopy?
Most people are good candidates for ureteroscopy. However, if you have an exceptionally large stone, you may need a different procedure.
Ureteroscopy is also a good choice for patients who can’t have extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). For example, people who take blood thinners and pregnant women may need this procedure instead of ESWL.
What symptoms indicate I need a ureteroscopy?
The earlier you catch the signs of a kidney stone, the sooner you can get a treatment that helps you pass the stone and relieves the pain. The most common symptoms include excruciating pain in your back and side, pain that comes and goes in waves, frequent urination, and pain during urination.
What happens during a ureteroscopy?
Dr. Buschemeyer III uses real-time imaging to guide the scope through your urethra and bladder and then into the ureter. After positioning the scope next to the kidney stone, he uses a small wire basket to snare and remove the stone.
If the stone is too large for the basket, Dr. Buschemeyer inserts a laser fiber through a special channel in the scope. After using a burst of laser energy to break up the stone, he retrieves and removes the pieces.
After removing your stone, Dr. Buschemeyer III may insert a temporary stent into the ureter. The stent holds the ureter open, ensuring you can urinate while the ureter heals.
Your ureteroscopy takes 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the stone. After undergoing monitoring for a short time, you’re free to go home.
At the first sign of kidney stones, don’t wait to call W. Cooper Buschemeyer III, MD, or book an appointment online.